CONCENTRATIONS OF GLYPHOSATE IN SURFACE WATER, SEDIMENT AND FISH IN OSSIOMO RIVER, NIGERIA

Abstract

Glyphosate concentrations were determined in water, sediment and fish (Brycinus macrolepidotus) samples from designated areas with intense agricultural activities along Ossiomo River, Nigeria. Three sampling stations were selected to reflect areas of possible sources of pollution. The pesticide analysis was carried out using Gas chromatography (GC) equipped with electron capture detector. Levels of glyphosate in water ranged from 0.004 – 0.006 mg/l, sediment, 0.008 – 0.015 mg/kg and fish, 0.010 – 0.034 mg/kg dw. The pesticide concentrations in fish were significantly (p<0.05) higher than water and sediment.The sediment log BSAFs (0.1– 0.4) were lower than the water log BCFs (0.4–0.8), an indication of the high affinity of glyphosate to sediments and lipid tissues. However, the observed glyphosate concentrations in the matrices were lower than the maximum contaminant level (MCL).Estimated health risk assessment indicated that glyphosate concentrations in the fish (Brycinus macrolepidotus) from Ossiomo River do not pose cancer risk to humans on consumption.